Beatlegras kicks off Main Street Fridays After 5

BEATLEGRAS Imagine the Beatles' romantic "And I Love Her" or the British band's rollicking rock-and-roll staple, "Can't Buy Me Love." Now imagine those classic tunes set against a bluegrass rhythm.

The effect is startling - and startlingly pleasing.

That's Beatlegras.

The metroplex band has performed across the country and across the Atlantic. They were recently featured on National Public Radio in this country and with singers such as Sinead O'Connor at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Ireland. The weekend of April 17 they will play for the Main Street Festival in Fort Worth and Jimmy Buffet's Tailgate Party in Frisco.

On Friday, April 24, they'll play a free concert from 6 until 8:30 p.m. at the World's Richest Acre Park in downtown Kilgore.

"Beatlegras isn't just for Beatles fans, but for those of us who love great musicianship played out as one of the sweetest sounds imaginable. A sound that remains constantly in my CD player," said Gary Cogill, movie critic for WFAA, Dallas.

Said Ralph McLean of British Broadcasting Corporation's Radio Ulster, "If I had a mop top I'd be shakin' it!"

Most of their songs are Beatles tunes infused with bluegrass music. They also perform some original music.

Laird Insurance, East Texas Lumber, the Kilgore News Herald and Main Street/Kilgore underwrite the band's Kilgore performance.

Beatlegras will kick off Kilgore Main Street's Fridays After 5 series of musical events. Other confirmed acts in the series include the Jimmy Wooten Band (they sprang full-grown from Shreveport's GatorDilla band) on Friday, May 1, and Jim Allen Day on Friday, June 5.

"We're going to have a terrific show on July 3 to help celebrate July Fourth and we're working on plans for an "Idol On The Acre" talent contest on August 7," said Fallon Burns, Main Street manager.

All concerts are free. Bring a sandwich, a soft drink and a lawn chair. Music begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8:30.

To sample the music of Beatlegras visit www.beatlegras.com.